Abstract:
The state Department of Commerce has named John Hardin as executive director for the department's Office of Science & Technology and promoted two other officials as well.

Secretary Keith Crisco said Wednesday that Karen West has been named the department's general counsel, and Susan Fleetwood is now director of the department's Business & Industry Development Division.

Hardin had been serving in an acting capacity.

He "brings both an academic and practical approach to the Office of Science & Technology," Crisco said. "His work on the state's technology commercialization and green business funds, nanotechnology and innovation efforts and with the state's Board of Science & Technology are really helping North Carolina move forward."